Patrão Local

Local Skipper Licence Course | West Coast Lisbon Sailing, Portugal

Local Skipper Course at West Coast Lisbon Sailing Centre

Local Skipper (Patrão Local)

The "Patrão Local" (Local Skipper) Licence allows navigation up to 25 nautical miles from a safe harbour and 6 miles from the coast, regardless of vessel size or engine power. It also permits sailing during both day and night. Perfect for aspiring sailors, this course is designed to start your nautical journey confidently and safely.

You can enrol directly without holding a "Marinheiro" (Basic Skipper) Certificate, making it the ideal choice for beginners who want to start their sailing adventure in Portugal or internationally.

Course Programme Price Requirements Duration Boats Locations

Course Programme

Introduction to navigation principles
Chart reading and usage
Estimated navigation and planning
Use of onboard instruments
Tide calculations and effects
Collision regulations at sea (IRPCS)
GMDSS communications, distress & emergency protocols
Weather forecasting for sailors
Safety and accident prevention
First aid at sea
Firefighting onboard
Maritime ceremonial
Engines, maintenance & environmental care
Practical vessel handling
Use of onboard equipment

(Compliant with Portuguese Regulation Portaria n.º 288/2000)

Price

^€570
VAT Included

30 hours theory + 10 hours practical
2 practical sailing sessions (1 sail & 1 motor)
Access to online learning platform included
VHF-A operators certificate included
Exam fee included (150€)

Requirements

Minimum age: 18 years old. Swimming ability is required for course participation.

Documentation:

To apply for the Local Skipper Licence exam, the following documents are required:

Completed registration form
1 passport-sized photo (digital)
Non-Portuguese nationals: proof of residence
Medical certificate for water sports

For initial registration, only the form and a photo are required. All other documents must be submitted at least one week before the exam.

Duration

Total course duration: 40 hours (30 hours theory + 10 hours practical)

Theoretical lessons are offered in multiple formats:

Evening classes over 5 weeks (Mon & Wed or Tue & Thu, 19:30–22:30)
Weekend format over 5 Saturdays (full day 09:30–17:00)
Intensive 5-day course (Mon–Fri 09:30–17:00)

Practical lessons are scheduled flexibly during weekdays or weekends, always in small crews.

Exams take place on weekends or evenings and include a 2.5-hour theoretical component followed by a practical test.

Boats

Practical lessons include a full day sailing a +10m yacht and a half-day session on a semi-rigid RibCraft 6.4 PRO boat.

Locations

West Coast offers two prime locations for attending the Local Skipper course: Marina de Oeiras and Marina Parque das Nações. All locations provide direct water access for practical sailing sessions.